Tips on healing from heartbreak
There’s a reason it’s called heartbreak – break-ups are often an agonisingly painful process. Mending a broken heart is never easy but here are five suggestions to ensure you’re on the path to recovery.
1. Seek support from family and friends
You may feel like all you want to do is to be alone but it’s important not to cut off your support network. Reach out to your loved ones and talk to them. Sometimes all you need is a shoulder to lean to make you feel worlds better.
2. See a therapist
If it’s been some time after a painful break up and you’re feeling guilty for not “getting over it yet” seeing a professional can help you process the pain, fears, sadness and discomfort.
3. Be realistic
You can’t expect yourself to bounce back immediately after a break up. When you’ve lost a significant person in your life it’s normal not to feel normal. Taking time to process your emotions is healthy so don’t feel guilty or ashamed if you’re not your usual self for a while.
4. Appreciate your steps
Sometimes it seems like the grief and pain may never stop but recognise the moments where you’ve taken positive steps to heal. Acknowledge these steps, however small or big, and most of all, appreciate that you’ve been making progress even if you’re not quite there yet.
5. Steer clear of unhealthy behaviours
Don’t withdraw from your friends or family, cling to the past, secretly harbour hopes that you’ll get back together or continually beat yourself up about the past. These are all unhealthy and potentially self-destructive behaviours that stop you from moving on. Instead, give yourself time to reconnect with yourself and most importantly, be compassionate towards yourself.